She had excused herself from the walk on the plea of a headache: the horrid headache which, in the morning, had prevented her venturing to church.

Her appearance at luncheon justified the excuse.

She looked languid, full of a suffering sweetness; she carried a scent-bottle in her hand.

Mr.Gryce was new to such manifestations; he wondered rather nervously if she were delicate, having far-reaching fears about the future of his progeny.

But sympathy won the day, and he besought her not to expose herself: he always connected the outer air with ideas of exposure.
Lily had received his sympathy with languid gratitude, urging him, since she should be such poor company, to join the rest of the party who, after luncheon, were starting in automobiles on a visit to the Van Osburghs at Peekskill.